Suspicious Umbrella Shuts Down New York Mall

An upstate New York mall was placed on lockdown after numerous 911 calls to local police departments. It all started after a case of mistaken identity.

Mass shootings across the country have caused many Americans to be on high alert when they are in public places. After the recent tragedy in Minneapolis, the deadly epidemic is once again in the spotlight.

911 Calls for "Suspicious Person with a Weapon" in Syracuse, NY

The drama unfolded in Syracuse, NY when the Syracuse Police Department received a 911 call reporting a man walking in public with what looked like an assault rifle. As more calls were received, officers from several departments quickly responded.

Police Respond to Reports of Person with Weapon at Destiny USA

As the Syracuse Police Department describes below, the man and his "weapon" were eventually spotted on security cameras at Destiny USA, New York State's largest shopping and entertainment complex.

Umbrella Mistaken for AR-15 Rifle in Syracuse, NY

Police agreed that the custom umbrella, which had a carrying case as well as a handle that resembled a samurai sword, "resembled a long gun, specifically the samurai handle, which looked like the barrel of a rifle".

Community Response to Case of Mistaken Gun

Comments ranged from bemusement ("Could you imagine buying an umbrella thinking it's cool and unique and then this happens") to reflective ("Kudos to people who spoke up and the police for being thorough. Mass shootings happen far too often... Imagine being unsure if someone walking down the street is carrying a gun, not saying anything, and then people getting killed?").

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The "suspect" was released from custody after they were being questioned at the Syracuse Police Department and surveillance footage was reviewed.